The new, 2017 Ford GT was just revealed. Some are complaining about the V6, that it won’t compete with V8s and V12s, and that it’s considered an “EcoBoost” motor. We think it’s the smartest hypercar production decision yet, and is Ford’s Big Bet to build its performance and efficiency brands. Read why below:
- Racing: We all know that racing pedigree leads to better street cars – lighter, stiffer, faster, and more reliable. There are rumors that Ford plans to race the new Ford GT before production – and the 3.5 liter engine size allows it to fit into Le Mans GTE category (assuming the category rules are updated to allow forced induction / turbochargers).
- Reliability: The EcoBoost V6 platform may become the LSX of the future. Ford is putting it in everything, and large production runs means continuous improvement and reliability. The Ford GT’s example – if related in some way to the current 3.5 liter EcoBoost motor – will be proof of just how much power this platform can handle.
- Brand: The EcoBoost brand overall has not established a strong foot in the performance / enthusiast crowd. This is Ford’s move to change that once and for all: boost the crap out of it and take it racing. We’re curious to see how this will stack up against the flat-plane crank V8 that is coming with the new GT 350.
- Efficiency: With this move, Ford is the first automaker to merge their performance line with their “efficiency” line of products. EcoBoost was originally a move to downsize and turbocharge motors to increase fuel efficiency. Now EcoBoost is also a way to get into GTE racing and produce silly high horsepower with small displacement. This recipe could drive lots of success for Ford in the near future.
Overall we’re very excited for the future of Ford and its plans with the EcoBoost line of motors as well as the new flat-plane crank V8 coming for the Shelby GT 350. It’s great to see automakers still investing in their high-performance line of products and finding a way to merge performance and efficiency goals.